JANUARY 2014

"If a CEO asks you to lunch, go to lunch. It doesn't matter if you're not hungry or
you don't like the food. Go anyway."

That was one of the many bits of advice Lynda Markoe '88 passed along to current students
when she hosted them at her workplace during the University's winter recess this month.
A lunch meeting with Millard "Mickey" Drexler, the CEO of J. Crew, changed the course
of Markoe's career. She was about to leave her human resources job with the Gap and
take an offer with Johnson & Johnson. Instead, she went to work for Drexler, and she
has been the head of human resources at J. Crew for more than 10 years.

Markoe told a group of 20 students about her career path, and answered questions about
jobs and internships within her company and J. Crew's corporate culture.

"We want you to be a thinker and we want you to be curious," Markoe said. "We want
people who are going to be, from day one, asked for their opinion and not afraid to
share it."

The University's Career Development Center, the School of Management's Office of Career
Services and the Watson School's Office of Alumni and Career Connections sponsored
similar visits at American Express, Bloomberg, Bluewolf, BNP Paribas, Citi, Deloitte,
Digitas, EisnerAmper, EY, Garrison, Google, Grant Thornton, Hatstand, HSBC, ISI Group,
JP Morgan, KPMG, Marlin & Assoc., Mattel, McGladrey, Morgan Stanley, Protiviti, PwC,
Reservoir Capital, Silver Lane, Societe Generale, Toys R Us and Viacom. Some visits
were collaborations with the University at Buffalo.

Jared Kirschenbaum '11 and Paul Yang '06 (pictured) hosted students at global consultant
Bluewolf. Yang, director for the company, says he easily remembers being in the same
position that today's students are in.

"Our company is the most exciting thing in the business world," Yang told the students.
"Keep an open mind as to what's out there. There are a lot of start-ups in the tech
world. Broaden your horizons and learn as much as you can."

B-CONNECTED with other graduates! B-connected is a secure virtual community only for Binghamton
University alumni. Update your personal profile, search for alumni, and submit and
read Class Notes.

SHARE YOUR EXPERTISE WITH US! The Alumni Relations office is asked to recommend alumni who are expert speakers.
If you are well-versed, because of your education and professional experience, in
subjects including national security, politics, technology, career networking, environmental
studies or etiquette, please contact Melinda Holicky, associate director for volunteer engagement. Include your name, class year, and
a brief description of your experience and expertise. Supporting material could include
a c.v. or link to your website.

The Alumni Association and Uncommon Goods (founded by David Bolotsky '85) offer the
opportunity to purchase banks made from mailboxes salvaged from Newing Dining Hall. This can be a great keepsake of your time as a student at Binghamton. Banks also
make great gifts! Purchase a bank today.